Growing Sugarcane in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Homa Bay is moderately suited to Sugarcane. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Sugarcane a suitability score of 74/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Sugarcane, with a soil-match score of 74/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sugarcane's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sugarcane, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sugarcane is the #19 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 27,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sugarcane crop here can gross roughly KES 135,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | Sugarcane needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.05 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 13.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Homa Bay's nitrogen (1.05 g/kg) is 88% of the 1.2 g/kg Sugarcane needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Homa Bay
2 sugarcane varieties are rated for Homa Bay's altitude (1,200 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag